Moving Checklist

Moving can be both exciting and stressful. Here’s a checklist to help you plan ahead and stay organized throughout the adventure.

Four Weeks Before Moving

• Begin consuming foods and using cleaning supplies that will not be moved.
• Obtain copies of dental and medical records.
• Reserve a mover or rental truck.
• Purchase moving supplies, such as packing tape, boxes and bubble wrap.
• Obtain children’s school transcripts and check registration for enrollment procedures.
• Create a file folder for moving paperwork, including receipts and estimates.

Three Weeks Before Moving

• Hold a garage sale.
• Donate unwanted household items to local charity organizations.
• Verify loan requirements.

Two Weeks Before Moving

• Service your vehicles in preparation for the move.
• Obtain veterinary records and update pet tags and licenses with new address.
• Pick up your laundry, return rental items and retrieve any loaned items.

One Week Before Moving

• Discontinue the newspaper and other delivery services.
• Reconfirm moving and delivery dates with your mover or rental agency.
• Notify the post office and send change of address cards to friends, subscription services and creditors.
• Schedule utilities, cable TV, Internet, and phone services to be disconnected.

Two Days Before Moving

• Create a file folder of important information including a forwarding address for the new owner of your home.
• Conclude financial matters involving the sale of your home.
• Set aside items you'll need upon arrival: towels, soap, dishes, bedding, etc.

One Day Before Moving

• Begin dismantling all large furniture.
• Disconnect major appliances.
• Defrost the refrigerator and freezer, leaving both doors open.
• Schedule utilities, cable TV, Internet, and phone services to be connected to new home.

Moving Day

• Supervise movers.
• Check exterior for remaining items. Don't forget wind chimes, children and pet toys!
• Leave keys and garage door transmitters for new owners.

Pack Like A Pro!

• Develop a master “to do” list so you won’t forget something critical.
• Sort and get rid of things you no longer want or need. Have a garage sale, donate to a charity, or recycle.
• Don’t throw out everything. If your inclination is to just toss it, ask yourself how frequently you use an item and how you'd feel if you no longer had it.
• Pack like items together. Put toys with toys, kitchen utensils with kitchen utensils.
• Decide what if anything you plan to move yourself. Precious items such as family photos, valuable breakables, or must-haves during the move should probably stay with you.
• Use the right box for the item. Loose items encourage breakage.
• Put heavy items in small boxes so they're easier to lift. Keep weight under 50 lbs. if possible.
• Don't over-pack boxes and increase the chances they will break.
• Wrap every fragile item separately and pad bottom and sides of boxes.
• Label every box on all sides. You never know how they'll be stacked and you don’t want to have to move other boxes aside to find out what’s there.
• Use color-coded labels to indicate which room each item should go in. Color-code a floor plan for your new house to help movers.
• Keep your moving documents together, including phone numbers, driver's name and van number. Also keep your address book handy.
• Back up your computer files before moving your computer.
• Remember, most movers won’t take plants.
• Inspect each box and all furniture for damage as soon as it arrives.